What's a good video conferencing tool? And I don't mean netmeeting.

[ndee]

TIA.

 

[GoingUp]

msn instant messenger has a good one built in... can easily even get around firewalls

 

[ndee]

Originally posted by: Gobadgrs
msn instant messenger has a good one built in... can easily even get around firewalls

Isn't that also using Netmeeting? My co-workers are trying Netmeeting over the LAN and it sucks major donkey balls. The resolution is about 320x240 and about 4 fps, remind you, over a LAN.

 

[slackerinabox]

Originally posted by: ndee

Originally posted by: Gobadgrs
msn instant messenger has a good one built in... can easily even get around firewalls

Isn't that also using Netmeeting? My co-workers are trying Netmeeting over the LAN and it sucks major donkey balls. The resolution is about 320x240 and about 4 fps, remind you, over a LAN.

I'd like to know as well.. 320X240 isn't bad but 4fps.. Hmmm.. Are you using the newest msn messenger?

 

[ndee]

Videolink Pro 3.0 is quite good

 

[Slugbait]

I believe Windows Messenger uses H.323 for videoconferencing, not completely sure. I am sure that both Messengers use the T.120 stack and T.124 protocols provided by NetMeeting for app sharing and whiteboard.

The webcam feature in MSN Messenger is provided by Logitech. Audio is RTC. Because of this, you have to start video and audio separately, which is a minor inconvenience.

Also, if you're only getting 4fps on a LAN, it's likely not because of NetMeeting. I get about 15fps, and I'm on a much slower connection (cable). I would suggest you first start in Tools->Options->General->Bandwidth and adjust your settings (if you're configured for 14400 bps modem, that should solve your FPS problem right there...). Go to the Video tab and make adjustments...on XP, there's a bug where video quality is pre-set all the way to "better quality"...you can adjust this down to allow faster video.

Until you have a second-generation gigabit pipe, I wouldn't worry about the resolution. As the rez increases incrementally, the bandwidth requirements increase exponentially. As an example, based on your current results, doubling the rez would reduce your framerate from 4fps to less-than 1fps.

And last, consider your hardware. For example, if you have an IBM (Zircom) or Kensington webcam, 4fps is By Design...you won't be able to squeeze out any more performance than this with these cameras, regardless of your system settings or the size of your pipe.

 

[Encryptic]

I've heard NetMeeting is pretty good....